Controller (Hybrid)

About the role

The Controller reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and is responsible for the leadership, management, and execution of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation's accounting and financial operations. As a key member of a small, collaborative finance team, the Controller serves as both a strategic partner and a hands‑on accounting professional who actively performs a significant portion of the Foundation's day‑to‑day financial work. While supervising accounting functions and providing leadership to finance staff, the Controller is also expected to personally prepare, review, and complete essential accounting and financial activities. The successful candidate will be comfortable moving seamlessly between financial strategy and detailed accounting execution, including reconciliations, journal entries, financial reporting, grants management, compliance activities, audits, and month‑end close responsibilities. Working closely with the CFO, the Controller plays a critical role in maintaining the Foundation's financial integrity, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and donor requirements, supporting earned revenue activities, assisting with the Foundation's capital campaign, and identifying opportunities to improve processes and systems. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical accounting expertise, nonprofit financial management experience, exceptional organizational and analytical skills, and the ability to thrive in an environment where teamwork, flexibility, and a willingness to roll up one's sleeves are essential to success.

Responsibilities

• Leadership, management, and execution of accounting and financial operations
• Supervising accounting functions and providing leadership to finance staff
• Personally preparing, reviewing, and completing essential accounting and financial activities
• Performing reconciliations, journal entries, financial reporting, grants management, compliance activities, audits, and month‑end close
• Maintaining the Foundation's financial integrity
• Ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and donor requirements
• Supporting earned revenue activities
• Assisting with the Foundation's capital campaign
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes and systems

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Minimum of 7‑10 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience
• Minimum of five years of supervisory or leadership experience
• Thorough knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements
• Strong understanding of internal controls, accounting systems, and financial management best practices
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial reporting skills
• Strong technical skills, including Microsoft 365 and effective usage of AI tools
• Excellent analytical, organizational, project management, and problem‑solving abilities
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines
• Commitment to accuracy, integrity, confidentiality, and exceptional internal customer service

Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• MBA or advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Nonprofit accounting experience, including fund accounting and donor‑restricted funds
• Experience administering federal, state, and private grants
• Experience preparing IRS Form